Jacobs Secures $1,000,000 for New Shoshone Park Indoor Athletic Complex
October 10, 2018
(Buffalo, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60th SD) joined with Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and Common Council members Joel Feroleto and Rasheed Wyatt to announce that he has secured $1,000,000 in state funding to support the construction of a brand new multi-purpose indoor athletic complex at Shoshone Park.
The approximately 75,000 square foot facility would have the ability to be converted for use as baseball, soccer and lacrosse fields, as well as a host of community and civic-related events. The parking related components of the project will also relieve parking stress that has existed for decades on nearby residential streets.
“When you think about baseball and North Buffalo, you think about Shoshone Park,” said Senator Jacobs. “This new indoor facility will allow Shoshone to be active year round, hosting not only youth baseball, but soccer, lacrosse and many other recreational activities for all ages. My hope is this $1 million dollar grant creates the momentum to make this project a reality very soon.”
“I support the vision of Common Council Members Feroleto and Wyatt to bring year-round sports activities to Shoshone Park, and their efforts to re-appropriate previously-approved bond funds for this multi-sport athletic complex,” Mayor Byron W. Brown said.
The new athletic complex will accommodate baseball, soccer and lacrosse contests, enabling the new structure to attract more athletic organizations and leagues. City residents will now have an option to bring their children to a local facility, and sports teams that previously did not compete anywhere in the North Buffalo area will now have the potential to call Shoshone Park home.
"Senator Jacobs’ one million dollar investment will have a tremendous impact on our youth for years to come," said Delaware District Councilman Joel Feroleto. "The year round multi-use facility will benefit the community and provide much needed indoor space located near public transportation."
“Shoshone Park has long been a destination for families to recreate for years in the spring and summer,” said University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt. “This new facility will now expand its use for youth groups and residents year round which is a tremendous benefit to the families in the North Buffalo/University District community.”
The total cost of the new athletic complex is estimated at $4 million dollars. In addition to Senator Jacobs’ support, the City of Buffalo is expected to designate bond funds, which were previously earmarked for restoration of the Shoshone outdoor pool, to the proposed multi-sport facility. Supporters of the project have been engaged in raising funds from a variety of public and private sources to close any gaps.
"The construction of a state of the art indoor sports facility in North Buffalo is a game changer for the youth of our community,” said County Legislator Peter Savage. “I want to thank Senator Jacobs for his support, and look forward to collaborating with our local, state, and community partners in developing this once in a lifetime project."
The Hertel North Park Youth Baseball & Softball League has been playing at Shoshone Park since 1957. Long time league President Don Morris expressed the excitement that he and his organization are experiencing as they look forward to playing in the Shoshone Park Athletic Complex.
“By building this athletic facility, athletes from across the City of Buffalo and Erie County will be provided a unique opportunity to play year round and be better equipped to compete at a higher level in their respective sport,” said Morris. “It's truly a game changer for youth athletics in the area, and I commend Senator Jacobs, Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Common Council for their commitment to this project.”
Council Members Feroleto and Wyatt hope to have full funding in place by Spring of 2019 with site preparation beginning next summer.
